The path to an NHL coaching job often goes through the American Hockey League.
Twenty-three of 31 NHL coaches at the start of the season had AHL coaching experience. Among that group are Bruce Boudreau of the Minnesota Wild, the Nashville Predators' Peter Laviolette, Todd McLellan of the Edmonton Oilers, the Chicago Blackhawks' Joel Quenneville, the Pittsburgh Penguins' Mike Sullivan, John Tortorella of the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Washington Capitals' Barry Trotz.
Keefe, Leach could be next coaches to jump from AHL to NHL
Among those doing best job balancing winning with prospect development
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